Discusses the use of humor in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language classroom. Suggests that when student laugh they learn better. Highlights ways to make learning activities fun and provides a humor questionnaire. (Author/VWL)

Examines student perceptions of instructor humor orientation, assertiveness, and responsiveness as antecedents of out-of-class communication (OCC) between instructors and students. Finds that instructors can increase the frequency of OCC with their students, especially informal OCC, by exhibiting humorous dispositions. Notes that by using a…

Evaluated whether viewing violent video material affects cognitive task performance. College students (N=186) were placed in one of four conditions (humorous video, neutral video, violent video, or receiving a gift before performing a cognitive task). Results suggest watching violent video material has deleterious effects on cognitive task…

Outlines several writing activities inspired by "Mad" magazine which incorporate humor, satire, and critical thinking. (MM)

Studied 40 first through third graders to determine whether they would donate more to a worthy cause after being exposed to a humorous situation or to a serious one. The difference in giving was not significant. (RJC)

Discusses a variety of alternative viewpoints about humor and presents some theories about the way humor works. Also addresses the role of humor in education and how it may affect the learning process. Discusses humor as a therapy and as an intervention used to change behavior in children and young adults. (Author/KW)

There are many situations of potential conflict that can be defused with humor. Humor in discipline can be used when it is a natural part of the adult's personality and style, and/or there is a relationship that has been built with a child that allows for off-beat words or actions to be accepted in a nondefensive way. (Author)

This study attempted to identify gifted child humorists among 1,204 children in grades 3-6. Final identification of 13 gifted child humorists was determined through application of such criteria as funniness, originality, and exemplary performance or product. The influence of intelligence, development, social factors, sex differences, family…

Niccolo Machiavelli's buddy Louis made a big mistake in his unsuccessful takeover of a neighboring kingdom: not living there. It is better for school executives to live in community where they work than to live somewhere else. Community members have to feel school leaders share their values, traffic problems, and water. Ways to bypass these…

Exploding in anger has its charm, though putting sand in the social oil is not simple. Rudeness, like celebrity deaths, comes in threes: daily, demented, and inspired. Administrators should be forewarned: rudeness is effective only when coming from power. Powerless rude people are called nuts; powerful rude people are deemed eccentric. (MLH)

Martoglio's work is discussed in terms of the relationship of dialect literature and sociolinguistics in Sicilian culture. His ability to inform the speech of a character with the qualities of a particular code, somewhere between dialect and standard, is noted. (31 references) (Author/LB)

Advocates a greater awareness of the factors involved with dubbing television comedies. Considers the translation of jokes and provides an outline of the various kinds of jokes in television shows. Calls for more research on comedy dubbing and television translation in general. (HB)

Examines the nature of humor and jokes. Considers the benefits of humor in public moments. Analyzes aspects of humor that may determine its efficacy. (HB)

Educators should adopt 21st-century goals for elected officials. By 2000, all public servants will be ready to serve the public, increase their speeches'"truth" rate, balance the budget, avoid special-interest pressures, adequately finance education and health, become knowledgeable enough to lead the U.S. global economy and guarantee…

Humor via the door motif in Native American Indian cultures can be pervasive and perverse. Helping professionals are alerted to down humor as a positive counseling intervention for this population. Background information, possible cautions, and illustrations are offered, with the need for additional empirical support strongly encouraged.…